Bruce Springsteen Takes a Stand Against Trump and ICE at New Jersey Festival
Bruce Springsteen did not need a formal press conference or a political rally to voice his anger. The rock legend chose a festival stage in New Jersey to deliver a powerful message. He used a familiar song and a moment of silence to criticize President Donald Trump and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
A Surprise Appearance Turns Political
On Saturday, January 17, Springsteen made a surprise appearance at the Light of Day festival in New Jersey. The 76-year-old musician paused his performance to address the current political climate. His comments came just days after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Springsteen has long been a critic of Trump. This time, he directed his fury specifically at ICE. He told the agency in strong language to leave Minneapolis immediately. A journalist from NJ.com captured the entire moment on video.
Reflecting on 'The Promised Land'
Before launching into his criticism, Springsteen reflected on his 1978 song The Promised Land. He explained that the song was written as a tribute to American possibility. It celebrates both the beautiful and flawed nature of the country, as well as the potential for what it could become.
This reflection quickly turned into a broader condemnation. Springsteen spoke out against what he sees happening across the United States under Trump and ICE. He urged the crowd to speak out against the administration's policies.
Springsteen told the audience: "If you believe in democracy, in liberty, if you believe that truth still matters, that it's worth speaking out, that it is worth fighting for, if you believe in the power of the law and no one stands above it, if you stand against heavily armed masked federal troops invading American cities and using Gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens, if you believe you don't deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president, and as the mayor of that city has said, 'ICE should get out of Minneapolis.'"
Dedicating the Song to Renee Nicole Good
After his speech, Springsteen dedicated The Promised Land to Renee Nicole Good. Good was shot and killed by ICE officer Jonathan Ross on January 7. She was sitting in her car in Minneapolis at the time.
An incident report obtained by The Guardian detailed the injuries suffered by the 37-year-old mother of three. The report stated she sustained:
- Two apparent gunshot wounds to the right side of her chest
- One apparent gunshot wound to her left forearm
- A possible gunshot wound on the left side of her head
- A possible gunshot wound with protruding tissue on the left side of her head
Protests and Celebrity Outrage
Renee Good's killing has sparked protests in Minneapolis and across the country. Demonstrators are condemning ICE's actions and demanding accountability. Springsteen is not alone in his outrage.
Celebrities including Amanda Seyfried, Simu Liu, and Cynthia Nixon have also spoken out. At the 83rd Annual Golden Globes, several stars wore protest pins honoring Renee. Mark Ruffalo and Ariana Grande were among those wearing pins that read "ICE Out" and "Be Good."
This shows how her death has become a rallying point far beyond Minneapolis. The incident continues to draw attention and calls for justice across the nation.
